Are you concerned about your boiler flue going through your roof?
If you’re anything like many homeowners, you may already know that roofs can be delicate things. And if you’ve ever had roof problems in the past, the thought of getting a flue through your roof could make you… a little bit nervous!
However, in my experience as a heating engineer, many homeowners – around 10% in fact – choose this option as it’s sometimes the most accessible way to get to an outside wall and ensure you meet all council regulations. It gives you more flexibility with your space. As opposed to, say, fitting a boiler in a bedroom or upstairs cupboard!
So, if you’re considering getting your boiler flue fitted through your roof, I’ve outlined five of the main considerations to bear in mind.
1. You may need an experienced roofing contractor
Firstly, you’ll want to know your chosen engineer is fully competent and experienced at fitting flues through roofs. However, depending on your type of roof (a flat roof, for example), your engineer may also get a roofing contractor to check everything is properly sealed.
Here at Superwarm, we’d always use a roofing contractor on flat roofs, or if a roof is on a high pitch. This helps ensure all the right tools are being used, and that the roof will be properly secure again afterwards.
2. Any flue joints should be accessible
Any flue joints that come through your house – including any bends or extensions to the boiler – must be accessible. This is so your engineer will be able to check them thoroughly during your annual service. It’s important they do this to ensure your home and heating system is safe for use, and not leaking or disjointed.
3. Vertical flue joints in attics must be bracketed
Any vertical flue joints (if your flue is going through the roof for example) must be bracketed with specific flue brackets every 800mm – 1000mm. Also, at every joint. And there’s a very good reason for this.
You see, if you’ve got a boiler in your attic and the flue goes through the roof, there’s a chance it could get bashed or pulled on accidentally when you’re up there. Securing any joints with brackets will help to ensure your flue can withstand people banging a suitcase or accidentally knocking it, without wobbling or coming loose.
4. Ensure your engineer specifies the exact length
Not everyone thinks about this, but it’s important your engineer specifies exactly how long your flue will be. Certain flues and certain boilers allow for different lengths. Some can run up to six metres, whilst others can allow for 12 metres.
This is especially important if you have bends. Every 90 degree bend counts as two metres, and every 45 degree bend counts as another metre. He should specify in your quote that he’s measured the exact distance, as too many bends or too much distance means your boiler won’t perform correctly.
5. Choose the position of your flue wisely
This one isn’t mandatory, but I’d always recommend, if possible, taking the flue to the rear elevation of the property. It just looks much neater and aesthetically pleasing. For instance, if you have a bungalow and you’re walking up to the house, it’s not always nice to have the flue/chimney clearly visible sticking out the front.
It only takes about 10 minutes to put two 45 degree bends in to take it out to the other side. Best check with your engineer whether it’ll be possible.
Advice from an experienced engineer
Remember, always get 2 – 3 different quotes when getting a new boiler. You may wish to speak to them about how they plan to get access to the roof, and whether they’ll be using ladders or a scaffold. Ask how it’ll be sealed or fitted, and whether the fitting will be guaranteed for at least a year against any leaks, to assure it’s wind and watertight.
Quite a few people have asked me about how we’ll get access, and how watertight the seal will be. Lots of people have scare stories or having to pay for unnecessary scaffolding when a ladder would have sufficed. You don’t want someone taking risks, but you also shouldn’t have to pay for scaffolding if you don’t have to!
Finally, if you live in a top floor flat, you will have the right to put a ladder up in your garden. However, it’s always good practice to let your neighbours know! Just so they know what’s going on and how long to expect any inconvenience. It’s just good manners!
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful. It’s always a worry when you have any work done that could affect your roof, but bear the above tips in mind and remember to ask your engineer about anything you’re unsure of. I always recommend getting at least 2 – 3 quotes and seeing what they say.
Do you have any other questions about putting a boiler flue through a roof? Let me know by dropping a comment below. I’d be happy to help!
